Chapter 22
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 22
Chapter Title: Helio City
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Helio City
The four decided not to walk any further and to spend the day resting. Though it was far earlier than usual, their stamina drain had been greater than a full day of marching.
Richer gramps's mind seemed at ease now that they'd crossed the border, his expression relaxed.
The day was still bright, and the four rested while chatting.
A variety of stories flew back and forth. Oboe vented about how anxious he'd been in the tunnel, while Pavilion ranted about those who'd fled.
Next came Tae-jin's question. He had so much he wanted to ask Richer gramps.
"What school of magic do you mainly use, gramps?"
"Lightning magic is my specialty. There were War Mages with skills comparable to mine, but when it came to lightning magic, no one could match even half my level."
"You're a lightning magic specialist, so why didn't you teach me any? You only showed me Shock."
Shock could be called the foundation of lightning magic. It delivered an electric jolt to stun a person, and with boosted output and repeated casts, it could even kill.
But it wasn't suited for multiple targets, and its range was short.
"Lightning magic? Never really had occasion to teach it. It's not that great."
"You knocked out four guards at once earlier. Teach me something like that."
"No need to learn lightning magic specifically. You can just weave elements together to mimic it, right? Controlling the output might be tricky, though."
As Richer gramps said, Tae-jin could gather lightning elements and unleash a bolt stronger than Shock. But it wasn't refined into an efficient spell formula.
If others forged fine swords from iron ore and swung them with finesse, Tae-jin's approach to lightning magic felt like laboriously melting ore into a crude iron club and swinging that.
Unlike his usual self, Richer gramps clearly had no desire to teach lightning magic. His face plainly showed his distaste.
Tae-jin was convinced. This old man had plenty of spells he hadn't taught yet. The amplification magic he'd demonstrated earlier was one example.
Tae-jin made his demand as if it were only natural.
"If you're a lightning magic expert, shouldn't you teach your disciple a bit? If I go around saying I trained under Richer gramps but the only lightning spell I know is Shock, people will laugh."
At the mention of "disciple," Richer gramps's expression softened slightly. But he shook his head with a firm look.
"I don't like lightning magic much. Pick another school if you're going to learn."
"Why? Lightning magic looks insanely powerful just from what I've seen. Like calling down thunderbolts from the sky or something."
"Lightning magic's destructive power is unmatched. It's a cut above common fire magic."
"Then that's that, right? You've got the best stuff."
"No. Lightning magic has no uses beyond killing. It can't be repurposed like other elements. And control is finicky. You saw me zap those guards to stun them? Know how long it took me to dial in the output that precisely?"
Tae-jin considered cracking a joke, then realized the story was darker than he'd thought.
Back when he couldn't control the output well enough to just stun. Who had he practiced on? What had happened to those practice targets?
But Tae-jin was greedy. Lightning magic's power was worth overlooking the discomfort.
"It's fine. I'll handle the practice. Just teach me one or two of the strongest ones. Something as powerful as that fire magic Pavilion mentioned earlier. I want to use stuff like that. Come to think of it, you haven't taught me a single wide-area spell yet."
Richer gramps's face grew serious.
"Better off not knowing. Don't idolize War Mages. They're nothing but half-baked wizards."
"Why? Earlier you said not just anyone can become one, and even other mages have to yield to them."
"A mage's essence is pursuing truth right up to the moment of death. But War Mages? They're just killing machines, butchers. Those who turn their backs on truth for slaughter can't expect a good end."
Richer gramps spat out his harsh words, then hocked a glob onto the ground.
Before Tae-jin could argue back, the old man pressed on.
"Other mages yield to War Mages for different reasons. Novices envy their high achievements, veterans get hooked on their raw power. But mages who've gained true insight? They pity War Mages. Deficient souls. They yield the way you'd humor the pitiful."
But it was far too tempting a magic to just nod along.
"Even so, wouldn't it be good to have an ace up my sleeve?"
"Don't forget your goal. Your dream is to open a Gate and return home. That lies at the end of enlightenment and truth-seeking, not brute destructive power. And in my eyes, your talent doesn't lie in lightning magic."
Tae-jin shot back immediately. He still remembered his first time casting Shock.
"You said my first Shock was excellent."
"Of course it was. No greenhorn mage could learn and wield Shock as quickly and adeptly as you."
"Why do you keep changing your tune? You said I had no talent for lightning, but now it's excellent—what gives?"
"Excellent compared to an average mage. You need to measure against your own potential. Lightning just doesn't suit you. That's why I stopped teaching it. No point drilling you in an attribute that doesn't fit and lacks versatility."
The old man continued in a voice utterly resolute.
"And if you pursue lightning magic, all that awaits at the end is the life of a human butcher. Walk the path of a true mage, not a War Mage. Once we reach the capital, I'll help you find magic that suits your aptitude. Don't rush."
Before such a tone laced with utter conviction, Tae-jin couldn't even shake his head in jest.
The next day arrived. Yesterday's rain had left the air a bit humid but not hot, and it felt clearer than usual—perfect for walking.
The four headed toward Helio City, chatting along the way.
"So, you're giving up the Free Trade Warrior path now?"
Oboe was the first to nod.
"One route's blocked, and we nearly died... yeah. Smuggling and tunnels go hand in hand, but I don't think I can go back underground again."
Pavilion reacted the same way. Though unlike Oboe, he avoided calling it "smuggling."
"I'd say we've contributed plenty to free trade by now. Once I sell off these goods, maybe I'll go back to mercenary work or head home. It pains me to fight for justice and still face persecution."
"Yeah? You two will succeed at whatever you do."
A couple hours after lunch, the four arrived in Helio City.
Tae-jin lacked identification, but Richer gramps's guarantee got them through without issue.
The notable thing was how the gate guards had looked at Richer gramps with eager anticipation.
The four checked into an ordinary inn—the kind every city had a couple of.
Prices were a bit higher than in Kaiso Kingdom, but not burdensome. They spotted Pavilion slipping into the kitchen and handing "premium soup" to the innkeeper in exchange for coin.
"How much did you sell each for just now?"
"2 silver 80 copper."
"For real? How much does this place charge for soup, then?"
Turning, Tae-jin spotted premium soup on the wall menu. "Premium Soup - Market Price."
Market price for soup? What was this, a seaside sashimi joint?
He wasn't buying any, but curiosity won out. Tae-jin flagged down a passing server.
"Excuse me, how much for one premium soup?"
"You're with the suppliers, so you won't buy anyway... 4 silver 50 copper."
Prices had jumped just crossing the border. Pavilion shrugged.
"Think of it as fair compensation for our struggle in the name of justice."
"That's impressive..."
As the four finished a modest meal and rose to head to their rooms, the inn's entrance swung open. Soldiers in metal breastplates marched in.
Their armament wasn't much different from the gate guards'. But their neat attire and clean-shaven faces suggested a different post.
"Is Master Richer, who just arrived in Helio City, here by any chance?"
Richer gramps raised a hand with the look of someone who'd expected this.
"Right here."
"Greetings, mage. We've come to deliver an invitation to dinner with the Lord of Helio City..."
The soldiers eyed the empty plates before Richer gramps.
"If you haven't unpacked yet, why not stay the night at the castle?"
Oboe raised his hand.
"Does everyone have to go?"
"Only those who wish to. But we'd appreciate if the mage would join."
"Then count me out. Everyone, I owe you so much. I'll stick around Helio City for a bit to figure out my next move. Thank you truly."
But the rest opted for the lord's castle. Tae-jin had no intention of letting Richer gramps go alone, and Pavilion perked up at "lord's castle."
"Then, the three of you—shall we go now?"
"Sure."
The three shot to their feet and followed the soldiers out.